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Cancer patients benefit from exercise programs

Saint Mary's Fitness Center
11:48 a.m. PDT August 28, 2014

Appropriate exercise can help cancer patients reduce fatigue and lethargy. It also improves treatment tolerance.

Physical trainers consult with each patient’s oncologist to come up with an exercise plan. Depending on the circumstances, patients can often exercise while undergoing radiation and chemotherapy.(Photo: Wavebreakmedia Ltd Getty Images/Wavebreak Media)

When one is diagnosed with cancer, many factors play a role in making sure a patient gets better. One of the factors is exercise – the physical benefits can help a patient retain their strength during and after treatment. Exercise also provides social support and give patients much needed social support and help build confidence for those who are recently diagnosed, in the middle of treatment, or have been in remission for 5 years.

Physical trainers consult with each patient's oncologist to come up with an exercise plan. Depending on the circumstances, patients can often exercise while undergoing radiation and chemotherapy.

Studies have shown that appropriate exercise can reduce cancer related fatigue, leaving clients with more energy and stamina. A combination of cardiovascular and strength training help increase endurance and help with lethargy. Clients report fewer problems sleeping and more energy during their daily activities

"Proper program design can reduce the risk of scar tissue buildup and improve ROM, while reducing the risk of injury," said Saint Mary's CES Betsy Miarecki. "Exercise plays a major role in restoring a client to their pre- treatment fitness level. Postural imbalances due to surgery can be minimized or corrected with a targeted program. Specific stretches and ROM exercises help with muscle imbalances due to treatment, such as radiation or surgery."

Trained professionals can assist clients with identifying treatment side effects. With this proper identification some side effects, such as lymphedema, can be minimized before permanent damage occurs. Additionally, exercises that can increase the likelihood of lymphedema can be avoided.

"In our Cancer Rehabilitation Program attention to specific exercises are used to prevent further complications after treatment," said Saint Mary's CES Tasha Rossi.